31. 5 Steps To Turn Your Stress Into a Strength

In today's episode Dr. K talks about 5 steps to Turn Your Stress Into a Strength. Stress is a natural part of our lives. Stress can activate a variety of responses just based on our perceptions. Stress is simply a result of something that has the potential to trigger a combination of physiological, psychological, and behavioral responses … Our thoughts themselves can creates a physiological and stress reaction and managing stress in a healthy way is about balancing life pressures with our strengths.

(0-1:13) Introduction: 5 steps to turn stress into a strength

(1:17-4:30) Research behind positive psychology –perceptions, responses and “stress is beneficial” perspective, tapping into strength from stress, the science of “hormetic stress” and neuroplasticity, the wisdom of the body and nervous system for protection, learning from life challenges, adversities and stressors and building strength. Knowing the “why” factor and attaching meaning to

(4:40- 8:35 (Identify hidden stressors)- (ex…personal insecurities, lack of work life-balance, lack of healthy relationships etc…identifying unhealthy subconscious and unconscious thoughts and beliefs that provoke the stress response . assessing and identifying everyday stressors and hidden stressors.

(8:45-12:50)- (Identify and capitalize on your strengths)—become aware of internal character strengths….(resilience, purpose, spirituality, humility , love empathy kindness forgiveness compassion, hope, self-regulation, gratitude, perspective, humor, zest,  perseverance, courage, authenticity, creativity, curiosity patience, open mindedness, social intelligence, leadership, love of learning are evidence based character strengths to balance pressures of life.

(13:00-16:30)-(Reframe how you manage and perceives stress)—changing perceptions and responses to stress, changing thought processes and use strengths. Connect challenges and responses to strengths.

(16:45-20:00)- (Change the language you use about stress)-understanding and assessing the of language of stress and its’ effect on the nervous system and body.

(20:42- 22:40) (Integrate Mindfulness Daily)- Being in the present moment as a strength and reframing our perceptions and managing stress more effectively.

Episode links:

https://www.designandwellness.com/

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